Brazil footwear exports reach 21 million pairs in first two months of 2025

Data compiled by the Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) shows that in the first two months of the year, the sector exported 21 million pairs of shoes, generating $174.23 million in revenue—an increase in both volume (+14.7%) and value (+2.7%) compared to the same period last year. In February alone, 9.6 million pairs were shipped, amounting to $85.9 million—an 18.9% increase in volume and an 8.9% rise in revenue compared to February 2024.

Abicalçados’ Executive President Haroldo Ferreira attributes the growth not only to last year’s low baseline but also to favorable exchange rate effects. A stronger U.S. dollar against the Brazilian real allows exporters to offer more competitive prices while maintaining profitability. “The average price of exported footwear in the first two months was 10.5% lower than in the same period last year,” Ferreira explained, noting that the average price per pair of Brazilian footwear sold abroad was $8.26.

A surprising boost to Brazil’s footwear exports came from Argentina. Traditionally the second-largest destination for Brazilian shoes—behind only the United States—the neighboring country emerged as the top importer in February.

That month, Argentina imported 1.24 million pairs of Brazilian footwear, paying $22.2 million—an increase of 96.5% in volume and 62.2% in revenue compared to February 2024. For the two-month period, Argentina imported 1.87 million pairs, totaling $32.58 million—marking a 58% rise in volume and a 31.6% increase in revenue year-over-year.

Despite Argentina briefly taking the top spot in February, the United States remained the leading destination for Brazilian footwear exports over the two-month period. In February, shipments to the U.S. totaled 792,880 pairs worth $18.16 million, reflecting a 4% decline in volume but a 4.2% increase in revenue compared to February 2024. For the first two months of the year, U.S.-bound exports reached 1.93 million pairs, generating $37.17 million—up 0.6% in volume but down 4.5% in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

Spain ranked third among destinations for Brazilian footwear exports. In February, Spain received 1.54 million pairs, paying $3.8 million—representing a 93.6% increase in volume and a 41.2% rise in revenue compared to the same month last year. Over the two-month period, exports to Spain totaled 3.64 million pairs and $8.64 million—up 24.1% in volume but down 2.7% in revenue compared to the same period in 2024.

Leading Exporting States

Rio Grande do Sul remained Brazil’s top footwear-exporting state. Over the two-month period, manufacturers in the state shipped 5.6 million pairs, generating $82.15 million in revenue—a 1% decline in volume and a 2.7% drop in value compared to the same period in 2024.

Ceará followed, exporting 8 million pairs worth $42.57 million—posting increases of 20.3% in volume and 3.6% in revenue year-over-year. São Paulo ranked third, with exports totaling 1 million pairs and $14.95 million—up 33.8% in volume and 17.6% in revenue.

Rising Footwear Imports

Footwear imports continued to rise in early 2025. In January and February, Brazil imported 7.9 million pairs valued at $97.43 million—marking a 14.1% increase in volume and a 7.4% rise in revenue compared to the same period last year.

Asian countries remained the top sources of imports. China led the way, supplying 2.68 million pairs for $9.25 million—declines of 2.8% and 3.5%, respectively, from the first two months of 2024. Vietnam followed, exporting 2.5 million pairs worth $47.9 million—up 24.2% in volume and 9.2% in revenue. Indonesia ranked third, sending 1.48 million pairs valued at $23.5 million—surging 47.2% in volume and 37% in revenue.

In addition to finished footwear, imports of shoe components—such as uppers, heels, soles, and insoles—totaled $9.64 million for the two-month period, a 21.7% increase from 2024. The main suppliers were China, Paraguay, and Vietnam.

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